Reflection from our Co-Pastors
August 12, 2021
Matthew 18: 21-22
I learned from Reverend Felicia, at our sister church Saint Paul's Episcopal, that polster and market researcher George Barna conducted a study asking people "What is the phrase you most long to hear?" The number one answer was "I love you." The number two answer was "I forgive you." And believe it or not, the number three answer was "Dinner is ready!"
These three answers seem to tell a story of what we are most hungry for: love, forgiveness, and sustenance of body and soul.
Peter, in today's Gospel, focuses in on the second answer. He asks Jesus, "If someone sins against me Lord, how often should I forgive? As many as 7 times?" And Jesus answers, "Not 7 times, but I tell you, 77 times."
Each one of us has done some wrong or harm in our lives for which we hunger to hear the words "I forgive you." Though our behaviors or words may have been harsh or hurtful, they do not describe the totality of who we are. There's no such thing as a perfect
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human being. Forgiveness is about restoring a relationship and is always a gracious gift. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or excusing the harm done, or surely not condoning hurtful behaviors. Instead it is a "get out of jail" card for those involved. Forgiveness has the power to release freedom and happiness to both those who give it and those who receive it.
How many times have you been forgiven? How did you feel when you were forgiven?
How many times have you forgiven? How did it feel when you forgave another?
Let us reflect today on the infinite forgiveness of our loving God.
Amen
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301 Faith Partners - This Week |
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1st Annual Home-y Welcome Event
Join the 301 Faith Partners and other churches across Ft. Collins and Loveland to offer household items to help students who are part of Lutheran Campus Ministries (LuMin) Student Housing Security Initiative program and the incoming international students. The goal is to make their student apartments functional, comfortable, conducive to study, and HOME-Y.
FOR MORE DETAILED information along with the wish list click HERE.
Donations may be brought to Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ (916 W Prospect Road, Fort Collins) on:
- Thursday, August 12 from 3-7 pm
- Friday, August 13 from Noon-3 pm
Bins will be at both entrances beginning August 8 for early drop-offs. If you would appreciate pick up from your home contact mission@plymouthucc.org .
Help Provide Meals
Looking for families, individuals or small groups to prepare a meal and bring to the LuMin building on designated evenings. We will worship with the students, then serve the meal and help cleanup. Most students will be vaccinated. (Meals need to be adapted for those that do NOT eat meat, wheat or lactose.)
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Praying for peace, health and well-being through challenging times
+Dan Scace, and family -friends of Dick and Sandra Life, members, as he is being prepared for chemo.
+Jim Carroll - husband of Dori Carroll, member
+Bernice Wagner - sister of member Fr. Jim DeMuth, praying for her complete recovery.
+Carol Lake, friend of Co-Pastor Jane
+Courtney Shook - daughter of Tom and Jean Christen, member
+Dorothea Grimm - Mother of Rosanna Bateman, member
+Sue Harari - friend of Cathy Engel
+Mary Detweiller - member
+Jerry Padilla, father and Ryan Cordova nephew of Lisa Jones - member
+Aidan - grandson of Mother Kae.
+Lauren Roob - friend of Rosanna Bateman
+Liz and Ken Zornes and family, whose daughter is struggling with addiction - friends of Sandra and Dick Life
+Michael Keefe, son of member Yvonne Keefe
+Dona Bosse - member
+Rosemary - Fr Michael' mother
+Dani - niece of the Cloyds - members
In gratitude for all who pray for and with our community.
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+Ruth Parker, sister of Dori Carroll
+Joanne Gallagher - member, and for her sister, Dr. Barbara Immroth
+Jim and Lucille Bowen friends of Suzanne King, member
+Sharon and Leo Six – parents of Michael Six
+Mike Gudim
+Suzanne King - member
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For the peaceful repose of souls for those who've passed and comfort for the families.
Michael Binet - Godson of Joanne Gallagher, member
Aaron - Son of Morris & Francis Burns,
past members
Adrian - Son of Joe & Ann - friends of
members Cindy and David Cloyd
Mary Crosby - member
Clint Wisdom - brother-in-law of Joan Chapman-Smith
Leon - father of Mother Cynthia
Kristin - daughter of ECC priest Scott Jenkins.
Joan Kneeland - sister-in-law of Bill Kneeland
Rita Ortiz, friend of Deacon Rosean
Margie Weitz - member
Chris Bachman, friend of Lisa Jones
Bob, husband of Joyce Dehaven -
friend of Cathy Engel
David Heyman -member
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Recording for Sunday - Aug 8, 2021
The recording of the readings and the homily given by Fr. Michael is available here. You can also view or print the Mass here to assist in prayer.
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Past Recordings, Bulletins, and Announcements
For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during, visit our webpage. Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com. And feel free to call the office at 970 493-9536.
Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal
What are our partners in ministry up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin
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Who Are the 301 Faith Partners? |
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The 301 Faith Partners have a Vision,
Mission and Values statement that guides our relationships, interactions, and shared projects and ministries.
Our Vision – ‘Our guiding Light’
Weaving a tapestry of love, hope and justice for the world.
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Read the Vision, Mission, Core Values and Covenant here.
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